Hot Tips for First-Timers

Race concierge: Megan Scheumann & Janet Byers

Triathlon Segments

Set Yourself Up for Success

SEVERAL DAYS Before the Race

• Read all the course info. Familiarize yourself with swim, bike and run courses (Drive bike and run course if possible)

• Study transition flow map on Magic Sports race website (Swim In, Bike Out, Bike In, Run Out)

• Mentally practice going through transition

• Physically practice transition

• Practice T-1:

• Put socks and shoes and on wet feet with wet hands right after a swim workout.

• Bike to run, running with bike, changing shoes, etc.

• Have helmet adjusted well for safety (two fingers under chin and practice buckling quickly, putting on glasses, etc.)

• Practice walking or running your bike out of transition to mount line and getting on.

• Practice T-2:

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Set Yourself Up for Success

SEVERAL DAYS Before the Race, cont’d

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* Ask the Magic Sports Race Concierge questions that arise

* Eat clean, get good sleep two nights before the race and drink plenty of water/electrolytes

* Train multiple times with anything you will race with: clothes, shoes, nutrition, etc.

“Nothing new on race day!”

* Be certain your bike is tuned up and in good working order

Packet Pickup and Bike Check-In

• Pick up the day before the race. Don’t wait until race morning unless you absolutely have to.

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• Bring ID. No one can pick up your packet for you. (Unless they have a copy of your ID.)

• Packet includes:

• Timing chip (strap on left ankle that tracks your times for the race)
• Tri Tats (race numbers on both arms)
• Race number stickers for bike and helmet
• Bib number
• Wrist bands (Required for entering transition area)
• Be sure to grab a “First-Timer” bracelet, so we can cheer extra loud for you!
• Grab a swim cap- special attention available if desired

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• Put race number on bike before checking it in at transition.

• If bar end plugs are missing, Magic Sports will provide those in transition.

• Overnight security is provided.

Set Yourself Up for Success

ON RACE DAY

• Set up transition, place nutrition, take pics, use the bathroom.

• Ask questions – We’ve all been a first-timer at some point. People are usually very open and happy to help.

• Use the restroom! Get in line early and often.

• Come prepared and be responsible for having what you need, but you still might forget something! Ask for help or items if you need them. Some people carry extra gear.

• Don’t be discouraged comparing yourself to others’ gear, bikes, speed or bodies! Remember your “Why” and have a great time!

• Make note of where your bike is racked. Our racks are lettered to help you remember your row.

• Mentally go through swim in to bike, bike out, bike in to rack and run out.

• Arrive early during the “transition open” time on race morning.

Bike and Helmet Numbers

Bike Number

Fold around seat post or top tube. Needs to be visible.

Optional: Scissors for trimming.

Helmet Number

Goes on front of helmet. Exists mainly for photographers/your benefit.

Bib Numbers

(Race belts make it quick and easy to put on.

Only need to be worn on the run.)

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Tri Tats

(On the side of both arms, visible in racing clothes.

May be placed on forearm if needed)

Air Up Bike Tires the Day of the Race

(And every time you ride. They lose air overnight.)

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What to Wear

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• Female: one-piece swim suit or tri suit (advise against wearing biking shorts over bathing suit), sports bra and shorts/tri shorts
• Male: compression shorts, tri shorts, jammers, throw on running shorts, shirt on run
• NO underwear: chafing!!

• Tri Suit: one piece suit that is designed to be worn from the swim to the bike to the run

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• Swim Cap: Provided at race site and goggles

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• Socks: Optional, but race the way you train. (Nothing new on race day!)

• Shoes: Cycling and running (Nothing new on race day!)

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• Helmet: Must be approved by USAT

• Race Belt: Optional, but very helpful/convenient for bib #, only needed on run *If no race belt, have another way to attach your bib #-safety pins (only needed on run)

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• Watch

• Sunglasses and/or Hat

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• Water bottle(s) and Nutrition (Nothing new on race day!)

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What is a Tri Suit?

• A triathlon suit is a piece of race clothing designed with the requirements of all three sports in mind.
• It is easy to swim in, has a chamois pad (like cycling shorts), and can be worn for the run. Available in one- and two-piece.
• It is thin enough to keep you cool and to be worn under a wetsuit.
• A tri suit is also tight fitting to be aerodynamic and has pockets for easy nutrition storage.

Wetsuits

• Legal for awards when official race water temp is 78 degrees and below. May choose to wear for temps up to 84 degrees, but not eligible for awards if official race temp is above 78.

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• Practice in your wetsuit, notice any chafing places to apply skin lubricant like Body Glide, Sports Slick, etc. (around the armpits and legs).

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• Practice taking off wet wetsuit quickly, (timing chip and watch should be under it so they don’t impede getting it off).

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Transition Setup, Etiquette, Flow

• Racks numbered with range of numbers. Rack rows are lettered.
• Bike generally go in number order on the rack (ex. 400-407), bikes should be positioned with front wheels facing opposite directions, every other bike.
• Bike hangs from saddle, front wheel down.
• Transition items go on the right of front wheel if facing your bike.
• Remember to note where your bike is racked! (which row, light pole, flag, etc.)

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Transition Setup, Etiquette, Flow

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• Place items in the order you’ll use them: take cap and goggles to swim start, sock (if using)/bike shoes/helmet/sunglasses, then running shoes/hat/bib on race belt or run shirt, nutrition and water
• Bag can go underneath rear tire
• Small towel (or large towel folded up) to place your items on
• T1: transition 1 from the swim to the bike
• T2: transition 2 from the bike to the run

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See USATriathlon.com for complete list of rules and penalties

Helmets

Must be certified by Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and buckled ANY time you are riding your bike, including before and after the race!

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• Don’t interfere with another athlete’s equipment or impede their progress.

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• Bar Ends must be plugged.

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• Bikes go right back to same position when you return, racked the same direction.

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• No glass containers in transition area.

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• Don’t accept help/nutrition/gear/clothing from anyone besides from race staff/volunteers, medical officials and active participants.

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• Do not ride your bike in the transition area. Mount your bike AFTER the “Mount Line” and dismount your bike BEFORE the “Dismount Line”.

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USA Triathlon Competitive Rules, cont’d

Bike Position Rules

• Drafting: 6 bike lengths. If you move into that zone, you must pass within 15 seconds
• Position: Keep to the right-hand side of the lane unless passing
• Illegal Pass: Must pass on the left, not the right
• Blocking: Riding on the left side of the lane without passing anyone and impeding other cyclists attempting to pass
• Overtaken: Once passed, move back and drop out of the draft zone within 15 sec.

Other General Rules

Headphones are not allowed. Phones, smart watches, two-way may not be used for calls, texts, social media, music, photos or any communication.

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Abandonment: Don’t discard trash, gear or clothing anywhere on the course except at clearly ID’d points, like aid stations.

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Follow rules of the road when you’re on a section of road that isn’t closed to traffic.

Common Courtesy

* Treat everyone, especially volunteers with respect and gratitude.

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* Cheer on other athletes when you get a chance.

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* Thank and consider patronizing our sponsors.

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Clubs and Groups

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*find a club or group in your area and get involved!

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*helps to have others accountable and to encourage

one another

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*safety in numbers

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*group workouts and socials

Any Questions?

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email megan@magicsportsusa.com